After three matches in the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes he has seen enough to give the referees, who are notorious for their dubious decisions in this competition, a thumbs up.

Hamada el Moussa Nampiandraza, the whistle man in charge of the clash of giants on Saturday night between Sundowns and TP Mazembe from the DR Congo was under the spotlight following an aggressive and slightly ill-tempered match at Loftus Stadium.

Mosimane's men were 1-0 victors, thanks to a Khama Billiat strike five minutes from time.

The referee from Madagascar also produced a red card in the 42nd minute when he sent off Mazembe's Chango Kabaso for a reckless tackle on Anthony Laffor. Nampiandraza also dished out numerous yellow cards throughout the first leg of the first-round tie in the continental club championship.

Mosimane singled out the "brave" choice by the referee to give Kabaso his marching orders so early.

"The referees are strong and they are not afraid anymore. We hope we are going to get the same treatment in Lubumbashi [for the return leg]. We hope we don't have the previous stories of Lubumbashi [Mazembe are known to apply intimidation tactics at home]," Mosimane said

He said his decision to bring on Teko Modise for Bongani Zungu, who had been booked earlier, had much to do with his fear that the Brazilians would also be reduced to 10-men.